13/10/2024
Osu,
Palmerston North Dojo update:
On Saturday, Senpai John and Senpai Alexi had another one of their toughest Kyokushin challenges and stepped up to the plate and showed us their strength, passion, durability, adaptability and spirit.
I'm so honored to announce they have both passed their grading and are now Nidans (Second Dan blackbelts).
Awesome to have more high ranked Dojo members to inspire the youth of our club.
It was an awesome grading and to find out on the day that it was just a Nidan grading without any Shodans (First Dan Blackbelts) grading with them, showed us how you could adapt to the forever changes that come in Kyokushin.
The day was tough, it was hot and was a few hours long of hard challenges to the body.
I am incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication and effort these two put into this grading and the preparation for it aswell. They trained alot harder for this one and it showed on the day. Both had strengths throughout and of course both have opportunities to work on.
●Thank you to Sensei Nigel for the knowledge you helped instilled into these two and the training you helped with. I'm sure Alexi loved having Sensei Dad as his blackbelt partner again. We are forever grateful to you and your dedication to the Dojo.
●Thank you to the supporters and family members from the Dojo who came to watch and encourage these guys.
●Thank you to Sensei Garin from Levin for giving these two a second dojo for fitness and fight training and being another incredible coach for them.
●Thank you to Shihan Tahi for keeping them inspired by your incredible words of wisdom. We always feel your passion.
●Thank you to Sensei Maria for hosting the event and providing a great space for them to grade at and your hospitality is always second to none.
●Thank you to Shihan O'Leary for making the long trip from your home to come and support the guys. Our Dojo wouldn't be where it is today without your wisdom and guidance throughout the years. I know you have retired but the impression you left is still with us. I know the boys worked even harder knowing you were there.
●Lastly Thank you to Mr and Mrs Shihan Takiwa for giving them the opportunity to grade and for also encouraging and helping to prep them for the day. I know these two are grateful to be grading under you and being a part of the forever building Takiwa branch.
Congratulations Senpai's John, Alexi, Mark and Tristrm on a fantastic achievement. I hope you guys are having a good rest and have time off work over the next couple of days.
I was honored to be your Nidan partner John. Always an amazing feeling to see you succeed. Also heart warming as you were my partner at my Nidan grading many moons ago so it's great to help you on your Kyokushin journey.
Thank you very much Alexi for letting me break my toe once again on you. 😅
I wasn't even grading and walked out with battle wounds 😆😆
Osu,
Sensei Cory
P.s.
If there are any other photos around from some supporters send them to me so I can post them up otherwise have a look at Levin Kyokushin for the majority of photos taken throughout the grading day.
Osu, Osu. 🥋🥋🤜🤛🦵💪🗣
